Why Does My Drain Smell?

Smelly drains are never good. Whether it’s food particles clogging the sink and causing foul smells or something built up in the toilets that are creating an unpleasant odor for every bathroom user, it’s something that should be addressed sooner than later. Take the time to consider the possible issues and then find the right solution. That may require enlisting the help of a plumber, but that depends on what you find. 

Here are some of the biggest causes of drain odors and what you can do about them.

Food Buildup 

Food builds up in drains all the time. Kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, and even some bathroom drains find themselves clogged with food and food particles. Liquids like oil don’t always go down and some people don’t realize how much food is going down their drain when they rinse dishes. 

Make sure that all food particles get scraped off in the trash before dishes enter the sink to prevent this issue. 

Other Buildup 

Perhaps your drains are building up with soap scum, hard water, or other elements that are harboring bacteria and foul odors. There are all kinds of substances that can clog a drain by building up over time and they can all create a haven for bacteria and other organic materials that can lead to odors. 

The best thing to do is to keep the drains clear with regular cleaning and ensure, as mentioned above, that nothing goes down the drain that isn’t supposed to. 

A Defective Trap 

If the trap on your sink isn’t working properly, it could be causing drainage issues. Those issues could lead to any manner of foul or unpleasant odors coming from your drains because of the buildup happening. Always check your traps for proper drainage and clear blockages before you take any more in-depth measures. 

Mold 

In serious cases, you may be smelling the smell of mold in your drains and traps. This is serious and needs to be addressed immediately. Only a professional can confirm the presence of mold and advise on the best options for remediation, so call a drain expert right away if you think mold is to blame. 

There are so many different causes of drain odors, but the process of elimination should help you get to the root of the issue. If it’s a reoccurring issue or something that requires more extensive repair, hire Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing to resolve the issue once and for all.